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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Increase in utilities and lodger

95 replies

MotorGreenGrass · 04/03/2022 23:34

I’ve had a lodger for a year, generally fine but he likes the heater to be warmer than I do. Not a problem so I’ve made provisions like the thermostat is in his room, he has access to the App to change the temp/schedule etc.

However with my bill set to double to nearly £200pm for gas, when its generally £100pm for gas tops, how do I bring this up?

I already have switched of heaters like the hallway, my bedroom, dining room we don’t use. We sometimes use the lounge so that’s on low. He’s got a heated blanket for night time and an app to turn on/off. Also a small 500w heater (more about that later).

Would it be reasonable to say if he’s still here in winter next year he can contribute 50% of the gas bills?

I’m tempted to get digital valves on the radiators so can have more control over turning them on/off, eg if I’m out but want to go home to watch tv etc.

I’m sure it’s because it’s my house/bills I’m accepting my room to be cooler etc.

Current upkeep of the house is about £1k including £600 mortgage, £150 council tax, £100 internet/Insurance/water. So gas and electric costs will push it to around £950pm. He pays £400pm.

He is generally good but when he’s complaining the house is cold and two days later will come down in a t shirt, or when it’s cold I tell him to put more clothes because it does keep you warmer etc.

OP posts:
Ponoka7 · 04/03/2022 23:38

There's been a few threads on this subject. Nearly all agree that the energy crisis is a unique situation, so can be treated separately and a lodger pay towards it.

Original poster
MotorGreenGrass · 04/03/2022 23:47

How much?

OP posts:
violetbunny · 04/03/2022 23:49

I don't see why that would be an issue so long as you give him plenty of notice.

Ladybyrd · 04/03/2022 23:53

I would put his rent up to £450.

Saracen · 05/03/2022 02:30

I think your lodger is never going to be happy if you keep telling him to put on more layers and turn the heating down, and you are not going to be happy to see him turning the heating up so your outgoings soar while there's no extra money coming in. The best way to avoid constant conflict is to put the rent up.

If you were taking on a new lodger, you'd probably think it wise to charge a higher rent than you have in the past. You could look around to see how much other landlords are charging - I bet they will be putting rent up.

CareBear50 · 05/03/2022 02:59

I'd charge a fixed rate for rent and he pays half the gas n electric bills

MintyFreshBreath · 05/03/2022 06:09

I agree with the rent increase. Just the flip side though. If he left, how quickly could you get someone else in? Because for every week there’s no-one in, that’s about £100 lost technically speaking.

KindlyKanga · 05/03/2022 06:11

Just put the rent up

billy1966 · 05/03/2022 07:56

He is not immune to what is going on in the world.

Utility prices have jumped.

He either accepts that and pays more or perhaps he would like to live somewhere else.

There is no reason to be uncomfortable, these are the facts, bills are soaring, his costs are increasing just as everyones are.

Original poster
MotorGreenGrass · 05/03/2022 09:18

@Saracen

I think your lodger is never going to be happy if you keep telling him to put on more layers and turn the heating down, and you are not going to be happy to see him turning the heating up so your outgoings soar while there's no extra money coming in. The best way to avoid constant conflict is to put the rent up.

If you were taking on a new lodger, you'd probably think it wise to charge a higher rent than you have in the past. You could look around to see how much other landlords are charging - I bet they will be putting rent up.

Yes that’s what im thinking….. so £25 now and winter reassess?
OP posts:
Dontfuckingsaycheese · 05/03/2022 09:21

You can’t tell him to put more clothes on! You’re not his mother!

Original poster
MotorGreenGrass · 05/03/2022 09:43

@Dontfuckingsaycheese

You can’t tell him to put more clothes on! You’re not his mother!
He’s wearing a t shirt and complaining it’s cold?
OP posts:
bluedodecagon · 05/03/2022 09:50

Just put the rent up. I would refuse to pay towards bills but happily pay increased rent.

Original poster
MotorGreenGrass · 05/03/2022 10:01

@bluedodecagon

Just put the rent up. I would refuse to pay towards bills but happily pay increased rent.
What’s the difference? He is working from at home ad-hoc and doesn’t switch of the heating when not at home.
OP posts:
Malibuismysecrethome · 05/03/2022 10:12

I don’t agree that he should pay half of the bills for one room but if your bills are increasing considerably then he can pay another £60-75 per month and that would be fair.

Moody123 · 05/03/2022 10:47

I think £400 is fair to say the upkeep of the house is £1k and he only has a room...

Quamora · 05/03/2022 11:03

We’ve just put our lodger’s rent up by £20/month. Doesn’t cover the increase but it seemed unfair for us to absorb the full cost and then remain unaffected-especially as if it was just us we’d cut back more by reducing heating/hot water but can’t do that with a lodger.

Liveandkicking · 05/03/2022 11:15

I’d be miserable in a cold house. I think you should give him notice that his rent is going up to accommodate the large gas hikes. It’s unfortunate but not of your making, so I think it’s a fair thing to do. Just don’t try and tell him how many clothes to wear!

CardiganAddict · 05/03/2022 11:22

It's up to you to manage this - he's your lodger and what other people consider fair or not isnt the biggest consideration. If you need to charge more money to cover household expenses so be it.
The main thing is to make sure that expectations are clear and communicated well with adequate notice. it's then up to him to go elsewhere or absorb cost.

skybluee · 05/03/2022 19:43

What kind of temperatures are we talking?

Quitelikeit · 05/03/2022 19:50

It wouldn’t surprise me if he was looking for somewhere else. No way would I put up with being cold.

He is paying almost half of your bills. He’d be just as-well buying his own place and getting his own lodger in.

I also think it’s a bit much asking him to put more layers on.

ChampagneLassie · 05/03/2022 19:56

Yeah I lived with someone like this (flat share) who kept turning down heating and suggesting I wear more clothes. Don't do that. I told them I was very happy to pay entire heating bill and have them stop moaning at me. As energy prices might continue to rise, I'd suggest you'd be better separating it out. i.e. £350 for rent and split the energy bill? Your bills / costs are a bit irrelevant - its what is going rate for what you are offering locally.

thecatneuterer · 05/03/2022 20:05

Put the rent up. Lodging should be inclusive - it all gets far too messy otherwise and it's just not how lodging works. But you can absolutely put the rent up if you feel it's reasonable.

thecatneuterer · 05/03/2022 20:08

And what you're paying for mortgage or council tax or any other fixed costs is of no relevance whatsoever, as you'd be paying those anyway.

The only figures you need to bear in mind are what is the going rate for lodging where you are, how much money you feel is worth it to you to compensate you for sharing your home, and how much his presence pushes up bills. These are the only factors to bear in mind when setting rent. Anything else is completely irrelevant.

CrabbyCat · 05/03/2022 20:15

@Moody123 when you say £400 is fair for a house where mortgage and bills are £1000 a month, you're unfairly ignoring the part of the mortgage the owner has paid off. That needs to be taken into account too, after all if she'd paid off the mortgage entirely so the months costs were only £400, that does mean she should reduce the lodgers rent!